Police told to increase surveillance of important installations

In view of the tense situation in the country and at the borders, Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon has issued orders to his department to remain alert at all levels. In his directives issued on Wednesday, IG Memon directed all officials to keep an eye on and patrol bazaars, markets and public places in the cities.

He also ordered increasing surveillance and checking at the borders, important places, installations, and government and non-government buildings adjacent to the cities. “Take proactive action on information about any suspicious activity, terrorists or malicious elements.”

He said the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Navy are at the country’s borders while the Sindh police are on high alert against the enemy inside the province. After defeating anti-national elements at the borders, the Sindh police are ready to thwart any terrorist activity inside the country, he added.

On the IG’s directives, a meeting was also held at the Karachi Police Office, where city police chief Javed Alam Odho reviewed the overall law and order situation and the current security situation. He ordered police to remain alert at all levels.

Addl IG Odho cancelled police leave, and ordered all officials to be present at the headquarters. He told them to keep a close watch on markets, bazaars and public places, and increase patrolling. He also ordered them to increase the monitoring of important installations, and government and non-government buildings across the city.

The meeting also discussed measures related to the return of Afghan citizens, action against tinted glasses and fake and fancy number plates, matters related to the Association of Builders and Developers, security of the cattle market at the Northern Bypass, street crime, action against drug peddlers, and forming of a task force against organised crime.

Odho ordered ensuring immediate, effective and concrete progress on all these issues, and taking comprehensive steps to further improve police performance. He stressed that protecting people’s lives and properties, enforcing law and providing transparent justice are the primary responsibilities of the police department, so any negligence or delay is unacceptable.

The Sindh Home Department has put all the law enforcement agencies on high alert. All officials and medical personnel have been ordered to report to duty immediately.

Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar ordered that all district administrations across the province would remain on 24/7 alert for civil defence. “All civil defence resources should be mobilised in an emergency situation. Sirens and warning systems should be activated to declare an emergency across the province.”

Lanjar said shelters should be identified for civil defence, and made functional. He ordered the Sindh police, Civil Defence, Rescue 1122 and all related institutions to remain alert, and ordered all civil defence officials to report for field operations.